BMX rider gear

The BMX race gear requirements

In BMX racing, the rules require a , a long-sleeved jersey, long trousers, and gloves that cover the fingers: this gear protects from head to ankles during crashes in a tight pack, at full speed on a prepared track. The Fly Racing Rayce pants, available in adult and child sizes, and the Kenny Elite provide knee reinforcements and a fitted lower leg that won't catch in the chain.

The lighter Kenny Bike Track shorts are worn for training on the track, paired with knee pads.

Full face helmets made of carbon or bowl helmets

The full face helmet for racing must remain light to avoid tiring the neck during jumps: the Fly Racing Werx-R, with a carbon shell, and the Bluegrass Vanguard Core, featuring the MIPS system, are two examples. Their front opening accommodates a mask that protects the eyes from kicked-up dirt.

At the skatepark, many riders prefer the bowl helmet, like the Bern Macon or the Giro Quarter, which are more ventilated and cover the head down to the neck. The Bern Macon also includes a MIPS layer that reduces rotational forces in the event of an oblique impact. After a heavy hit, the helmet must be replaced, even if there are no visible damages.

Elbow pads and soft protections for freestyle

In freestyle, elbow pads and knee pads should follow the movements without sliding. The G-Form ones use a soft material that hardens instantly upon impact, then becomes soft again: you forget about them while performing tricks. The Fuse Echo elbow pads, another reference in freestyle, can be worn under a sweatshirt or a long-sleeved jersey.

The protections are chosen based on the circumference of the arm or leg, measured at the joint, to stay in place during a fall. A padded protective short, worn under trousers, protects hips and the tailbone during park sessions.

The selection

BMX gear is organised by type:

• BMX Helmets.
• Protective Gear.
• Jerseys.
• Trousers.
• Gloves.
• BMX Masks.
• BMX Shoes.

The other equipment, road, mountain biking, urban, electronic, nutrition, accessories, can be found on the equipment page.

Helmets and trousers for young riders

Young riders often start in clubs, where a full face helmet is required from the first races. The Fly Racing Rayce is available in child's size, with sizing foams that adapt to a quickly growing head size. In France, wearing a bike helmet is mandatory for those under twelve, both for riders and passengers.

The child's trousers Fly Racing Rayce has the same reinforcements as the adult version. It's best to choose the right size rather than a larger one: if it's too long, the lower leg may rub against the chain or the chainring.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need gloves for BMX?

Yes: in racing, they are mandatory and must cover the fingers; in freestyle, they protect the palms from scrapes and improve grip on the handlebars. Thin gloves maintain the sensitivity needed for tricks.

How do you choose the size of a BMX full face helmet?

Measure the circumference of your head above the eyebrows, then try on the helmet strapped: it should hold the cheeks firmly without causing pressure points. If pushed forward or backward, it should not uncover the forehead.

What shoes should you wear for BMX?

BMX flat pedals require a flat sole made of soft rubber, which grips the pins and lets you feel the pedal. In racing, some experienced riders switch to clipless pedals with specific shoes.

What mask should you wear with a BMX full face helmet?

A cross-type mask protects the eyes from dust and dirt kicked up on the track. Check that it fits well in the helmet opening and that its strap stays on the shell without slipping.

How do you wash BMX race trousers?

Wash them at thirty degrees, with zippers closed and inside out, without fabric softener that damages technical fabrics. Air drying preserves the reinforcements and prints much longer than using a tumble dryer.